24 CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF FURNITURE

V. Yasodha

epgp books

 

 

 

 

1. INTRODUCTION

 

You would have all experienced that furniture play a major role in our day to day life. We need furniture for doing all our activities with more ease and comfort. We have to remember that, furniture may get damaged after years of use. But, proper care will help to maintain your furniture to look attractive year after year. If you want to keep it in good condition, avoid damage and increase durability, it should be properly taken care of.

 

2. OBJECTIVES

 

The Objectives of this lesson is:

 

1.  To identify the possible damages in the furniture after years.

2.  To know how to prevent the damages by taking appropriate care and maintenance.

3.  To know the types of furniture polishes and cleaning tools available for furniture protection.

 

Why does furniture need care?

 

Furniture need care

  • to maintain its beauty and colour,
  • to prevent from damage,
  • to reduce maintenance cost and
  • to increase its durability

3. Care and Maintenance of Wooden Furniture

 

Wood is the traditional and oldest material for furniture. Today there is a wide choice of woods. For example, oak, teak, mahogany, walnut, etc., Wood requires care and maintenance to retain its beauty, uniqueness and character. Students, when we talk about the care of furniture, Preventive measures are the best form of maintenance that you can do for furniture. The common problems found in taking care of wooden furniture are

  • Color fading.
  • Swell, shrink, or warp with changes in its moisture content
  • Cracking and flaking paint.
  • Joints become loose and the parts no longer firm together tightly
  • Moving parts such as cabinet doors or drawers may get jammed
  • Corrosion in inlay and fittings
  • Insects and rot attack
  • Physical damage by misuse and mishandling

 

 

                        Use of excess water to clean may cause wood to swell or warp

We can prevent those problems by taking proper care. They include

 

 Avoid heat and light. We have to avoid placing furniture in areas where there is direct sunlight, which can fade fine furniture.

 Avoid scratching and knocking. Sometimes the heat from a hot dish can damage the wood finish. Use of place mats, coasters, tablecloths or padded table covers protects the surface from spills and scratching.

 

Wipe all spills immediately because spills become stain after sometime and as they set, it is difficult to remove them.

 

Dust often. Yes, Frequent dusting removes dirt before it has a chance to settle.

 

Dust damp. Dusting with a dry cloth can scratch the surface, so lightly wet your cleaning cloth with water, a spray dusting agent or wood polish.

 

Check for wood worm attack and treat the damaged piece of furniture with appropriate chemical or finish.

 

Periodically apply a suitable polish. To keep your furniture looking nice and new, it is essential to polish it at least once a year. Finishes are used to seal and protect the wood. Sealing the wood protects it from moisture changes, spills, stains and surface abrasions and also enhances the beauty of the wood grain. But it may be difficult for you to choose the best furniture polish. It is essential to know about them.

 

3.1. FURNITURE POLISHES

 

Wax Polish will enhance the appearance of the wood, and protecting it from abrasion. Waxes, in particular help to repel water, and also help to prevent minor scratches. Using wax polish makes the surface smooth so the dust does not stick on it.

 

Varnish is a transparent, hard, and protective finish used on wood. These finishes are glossy and produce satin or semi-glossy finish. Varnish has little or no colour, and has no added pigment.

 

Paints or Wood stains, which contain pigment and generally range from opaque to translucent.

 

Lacquer is a clear or coloured polish which produces a durable finish. It is hard and glossy and it can be of any sheen level from ultra matte to high gloss.

 

Shellac produces a very fine, soft finish, and it enhances the natural grain of the wood. It is available in two colors – white and orange. White shellac is suitable for light woods and orange shellac gives an yellowish orange color to the wood and is often applied on dark woods.

 

Melamine is a transparent and versatile wood polish which provides a smooth finish and long lasting protection to wooden furniture. This finish is available in glossy, semi-glossy and matte finishes, enhances the beauty of wood and imparts elegance.

 

Polyurethane is a synthetic resin that are resistant to water and most solvents. It is a very good finish because it is transparent, water resistant, fungus resistant, mildew resistant, and resists abrasions. It also dries more quickly than other types of polish and comes in high gloss, gloss or matte finishes. It’s good for bookcases, desks, and side tables.

 

Homemade Furniture Polish

 

The smell of furniture polish can linger on furniture for a long time and it continues to exist for weeks and months after use. It may cause a low level of air pollution that affects the central nervous systems of the people who are living there. These commercial furniture polishes can be replaced with a homemade formula for establishing a healthier home.Homemade furniture polish is so easy to make and I will explain how to make your own polish.

  1. Olive oil-lemon polish

To prepare this polish you will need Two table spoon of olive oil, ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar and ¼ tea spoon of lemon oil or fresh lemon juice.

 

Method

 

Pour olive oil, vinegar and lemon oil into bottle. Shake well to emulsify. Squirt this polish onto microfiber cloth and rub onto finished-wood furniture. Evenly distribute the polish and always go with the grain and remove any excess polish with a clean cloth.

 

2.Coconut Oil Rub

 

Rubbing some straight coconut oil into dry wood is also act as a finish.

 

For this you will only need

 

One 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and a clean soft cloth Clean the wooden surface with a slightly damp cloth and dry. Rub some coconut oil onto another clean cloth, and apply to wood in a circular motion. Let it dry, and then rub in the direction of the grain.

 

We had a discussion on furniture polishes and next we are going to talk about

 

3.2. CLEANING OF DIFFERENT WOODEN SURFACES

  • If it is an untreated wood wash with water and soap. For stains that do not remove with soap water, use a scrub or brush. Always scrub the wood in its longitudinal direction. Rinse off all soap and dry well. Do not place any objects on the table until the surface is completely dry.
  • Lacquered and painted wood surfaces have a smooth, durable and usually water repellent finish. Wipe the surface with a clean damp cloth. Solvents should not be used on it.
  • Waxed wooden surfaces is easy to clean but not particularly resistant. Clean carefully with small damp cloth and should be treated according to the guidelines provided by producer and supplier

4.    Care and Maintenance of Plywood Furniture

 

Plywood looks like hardwood but it is actually made with a very thin layer of wood. Because of the very thin layers in its construction, maintaining the plywood can be quite difficult.

 

You have to follow some steps to care your plywood furniture effectively

 

1.      Do not wash with water to prevent the plywood unglued.

2.      Never place it in the sun light to prevent deformation.

3.      Should not be placed in moist, unventilated areas, to prevent deterioration.

4.      Wardrobe and countertops cannot put heavy pressure, which may cause frame deformation.

5.      You should avoid using washing soda and water to prevent damage to the finish.

6.      If the furniture surface is coated with dirt, wipe immediately with a damp cloth.

7.      Do not make any attempt to sand the plywood with rough sandpaper as it may damage the wood coating.

8.      It can be painted, stained, or coated with a gloss. Refinishing the plywood using polyurethane will restore its glossy appearance.

 

5.   How-to Care for Your Wicker and Cane Furniture

 

The process of interlacing natural materials like cane, bamboo, reed, willow and rattan together is known as wickerwork. Unless well maintained it is liable to get out of shape and pieces of wicker can protrudes and catch on clothes.

  • Dust regularly to remove surface dust, and regularly vacuum clean wicker furniture using the soft bristle brush attachment. To get stubborn dirt, or animal hair out of the crevices use a new, dry paintbrush to pull out the material.
  • Wipe up any spills immediately with a clean cloth, dampened with a light detergent or soap oil in water. Reed wicker can be thoroughly cleaned in outdoors by using the spray hose and light detergent. Rinse well and dry completely before using again.
  • Maintain even humidity in your home to keep antique wicker in good condition. Very low level of humidity causes the wicker to dry out and become brittle, but too high humidity in the air affects the wicker by mold and mildew. So, arrange the wicker furniture in an area with good air circulation.
  • Clean immediately the mold or mildew growth on your wicker furniture, with a solution of bleach in water. Vacuum it first, and then use a soft-bristle brush to remove dirt and mold. Wash with bleach solution and rinse well. Then dry thoroughly in the shade on a warm, windy day.
  • Use padded seat cushions to add life to the seats of your wicker furniture. This is especially good for both a woven reed wicker and also for cane furniture.

Wicker furniture with padded seat cushions

  • Wash completely once a year with warm water and detergent using sponge or soft brush; spray rinse with a garden hose outside, or put under the shower. Dry furniture as fast as possible by putting in the hot sun, or directing a fan onto it to keep air circulating.
  • Protect with furniture polish. Protect the furniture with a coating of clear varnish, shellac or lacquer. Painted wicker can be freshened with a new coat of paint. Allow several days for drying before using it again.

6.      How to take care of metal furniture

 

Metal furniture beautifully graces any home decor. It is used both indoor and outdoor because of its smart design and less maintenance. It requires less care when compared to glass and wooden furniture.

 

Metal furniture can be made out of either of the following:

 

1.Aluminium

2.Wrought Iron

3.Stainless Steel

4.Bronze and brass

 

Simply follow the steps to maintain the metal furniture

  • Dust with a soft cotton towel or cloth to avoid scratches.
  • At times mild detergent and water solution can be used for washing. Dry it thoroughly using a soft towel after each wash.
  • Do not wash metal furniture by using any harsh abrasives.
  • Metal furniture is often damaged due to rust. To prevent rust, the outdoor furniture should not be left wet for a long time.
  • If your metal frame furniture is not rust-resistant, finish it with paste wax after cleaning it with mild soap and water.
  • Dirty marks and sticky substances can be removed from metal furniture by using a cleaning liquid and a paper towel.Apply wax on the metal furniture to make it bright and protect it from wear and tear. The wax film gives the metal furniture a pleasant look and prevents finger marks.

   Repaint the metal furniture when needed. The appearance of the furniture can be refreshed from time to time by painting it. It will add life to the furniture. Touch up with paint immediately if there is any damage to the paint finish which may cause corrosion.

 

 

Beauty of metal furniture after repainting

  • Metal furniture should be regularly applied with various types of powder coating like polyester, nylon, epoxy, and acrylic, etc. for added protection.
  • If using outdoors, it is advisable to move the metal furniture indoors in winter and rainy season to prevent it from rusting.

7.  Care and maintenance of Plastic Furniture.

 

Plastics are used extensively in recent days in making furniture and also used in the form of coating given to wood and metal parts to protect them. Plastic furniture is the easiest to keep clean.

 

These materials are highly resistant to damage from dirt. Regular dusting will help to keep the surfaces free from dirt and help to protect from any scratches.

  •  Simply spray and use soapy water for stubborn marks.
  • Avoid contact with boiling water, and high heat.
  • Do not use steel brush as it may affect the colour and finish of the surface.
  •  Most of the plastic furniture can be cleaned with mild detergent and water, rinsed, and wiped dry.
  • Never use abrasive cleaners like scouring powder as it may scratch the surface

8.    How to care for glass furniture?

 

Use of Glass furniture is a wonderful way to create a feeling of spaciousness in your homes. However, glass furniture does require a certain amount of attention to keep it in top form.

  •  Care must be taken to avoid accidents as glass is still one of the most sensitive and fragile materials to use.
  •  Avoid placing heavy objects on the table tops. Glass has its limits and can break if anything too heavy is put on it.
  • Do not place anything on the glass table that has rough and sharp bases as they will damage the glass.
  • Use coasters and table mats at all times as they will protect your glass from damage.
  • To maintain glossy look, the glass has to be kept clean at all times.
  • The glass shows dust and fingerprint marks easily. If it is not clean, you can easily see it and clean it.
  • Abrasive cleaning materials should never be used on glass as they may cause scratches on the surface.
  • If you clean the glass with the right materials and soft paper towels, tables with glass tops can last longer than other types of furniture

   9.   Care and maintenance of Upholstered furniture

 

Upholstered furniture add softness, comfort, beauty and style to any home. It may be covered with either natural fabrics or synthetic fabrics.

 

Natural fabrics include cotton, linen, wool, silk and leather. Generally linens, silks and pure cotton are best for areas with low-wear as they stain and wrinkle easily. Leather is an excellent choice for hard wearing furniture. Wool and cotton blends also make excellent choices as they are durable and stains are easily removed.

 

Synthetic fabrics include acetate, acrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, rayon and vinyl. Some of these like polyester and nylon are generally blended with cotton to make a durable upholstery choice. Many synthetics are simple to keep clean and look quite attractive.

 

The covering will determine the appearance and durability of furniture. Regular cleaning and maintenance of upholstered furniture is important to retain the appearance of the fabric and to prolong its lifespan. With time, dust and dirt can cause furnishing fabrics to change color. It is therefore important to regularly maintain and clean your upholstered furniture

 

9.1. Tips for maintaining the beauty of fabric-covered furniture.

  • Clean daily with a light brush to prevent accumulation of dust.
  • Vacuum upholstered furniture weekly to remove the dust and dirt.

                                           Vacuum Cleaning

  • Wipe the spill immediately with a clean folded towel.
  • Use arm covers and slipcovers to protect the arms of furniture, which are particularly susceptible to soiling.

                                                             Use slipcovers

  • Rotate and plump the seat and back cushions monthly to insure the greatest durability. Without regular rotation and plumping the life of the cushion will be shortened.
  • Sun light can damage the upholstery fabric, causing it to fade and even fray. It should not be placed in the sun for extended periods of time.

                               Exposure to sunlight causes fading

 

  • Sit on the cushions, not the backs and arms of sofas, chairs etc. Sitting on backs and arms can cause structural damage.
  • Move upholstery furniture by lifting it. Dragging or pushing can damage furniture and floors.
  • Rearrange upholstered furniture once or twice a year to distribute wear more evenly. If the upholstery is covered with leather, it needs extra care.

9.2.care and maintenance of Leather covered furniture

  • Dust and vacuum regularly.
  • Do not scrub or rub hard.
  • Avoid exposing your furniture to direct sunlight to minimize fading and prevent cracking.
  • Regularly clean contact areas such as arms and head rests to avoid build up of perspiration and body oils. 
  •  Rotate and fluff removable cushions regularly to ensure even wear and increase durability.

                                         Rotate removable cushions

  •  Use leather cleaning products to remove water-based spills.
  •  Oil-based stains can be removed by blotting with a dry, clean, white cloth. The spot will dissipate into the leather over time.
  • Protect and maintain your leather furniture by using a leather conditioner periodically.

Care needed for plastic upholstery

 

Plastic covered furniture required only less maintenance when compared to other coverings

  • Clean the upholstery with warm water and hand washing liquid.
  •  Remove spots with a sponge or a soft brush.
  • Wash off persistent dirt with commercial detergent.

 

10. TOOLS USED FOR CLEANING OF FURNITURE

 

It is important to choose appropriate tools for dusting and cleaning of furniture because some products can damage furniture, while others just spread dust into the air. The commonly used tools for cleaning of furniture are

  • Microfiber cloths are a good choice for dusting because they grab and hold a lot of dust without releasing it into the air. This cloth does not scratch wooden or glass surfaces, and it is very convenient to wash and reuse.
  • Feather duster is effective for dusting cramped areas, such as book shelves, without actually having to move the books.

Feather duster

  • Wool dusters are great in cleaning small and irregular spaces, making them good at dusting cupboards without moving any objects. They are also effective for dusting carved and turned furniture.

 

Wool dusters

  •  Lint-free cloths: Clean soft cotton cloths are commonly used as cleaning tools. Wet them slightly to help trap dust.
  • Terry towels are used to remove any moisture left from dusting with a damp cloth.
  • Synthetic dusters are great for reaching small areas that are in desperate need of cleaning. These handy dusting tools are easy to use and can be cleaned in running water.

Synthetic duster

  • Vacuum Cleaner is used to remove dust without spreading it around into the air or onto other surfaces.
  • Small handheld vacuum cleaner will make dusting a lot more convenient. With this tool, you will be able to reach inaccessible areas such as in-between cushions and furniture, shelves, books, etc

Small handheld vacuum cleaner

 

  • Lint roller can be used for removing pet hair from furniture. Reusable variety can be cleaned with warm water and soap.
  1. CONCLUSION

As we have already discussed, no one wants to have furniture that looks like old and unattractive. But, if you simply follow the guidelines and tips given to you about care, regular cleaning and periodical polishing, you can easily prevent the damage of furniture and can make your furniture more beautiful and long lasting.

 

you can view video on CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF FURNITURE

 

Web links

 

  • http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/skills-and-know-how/painting/all-about-the-different-types-of-wood-finishes
  • http://artisansofthedesertstudio.com/furniture-care
  • http://www.pattersonfurniture.com/furniture-care-and-maintenance.php
  • https://www.si.edu/mci/downloads/articles/furnbook.pdf
  • http://www.harlancabinets.com/news.aspx/proper-cabinet-care-and-maintenance
  • http://www.rjfinewood.com/furniture_care_directions.htm
  • https://www.lowes.com/projects/porch-deck-and-patio/care-outdoor-furniture/project
  • http://stevens-wood-2016.stevens-wood.com/sites/default/files/care-and-maintenance-guidelines.pdf
  • https://www.hermanmiller.com/content/dam/hermanmiller/documents/materials/reference_inf o/Care_Veneer.pdf
  • http://www.dummies.com/home-garden/home-improvement/cleaning-stain-removal/how-to-clean-and-maintain-outdoo
  • https://islandvarnish.com/wp/varnishing-3/
  • http://www.uniquefurniture.com/pages/furniture-care-and-maintenance
  • http://www.antarc-ke.com/blog/2013/08/31/care-and-maintenance-of-glass-table-tops-2/
  • https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-maintaining-upholstered-furniture-1391582
  • http://www.chairfix.net/faqs.html
  • https://www.bobvila.com/articles/wicker-care/#.WhUbidR95kg
  • http://www.woodmenders.com/furniture-polish-review
  • http://homeguides.sfgate.com/polyurethane-varnish-98832.html
  • https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/home-diy/furniture-restoration/guide-to-furniture-finishes-g
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_finishing
  • https://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070417074005AAoCi4n

 

Suggested References

  • Seetharaman, P and Pannu, P. Interior Design and Decoration, CBS Publishers and Distributors, New Delhi.
  • Pratap R.M (1988) Interior design principles and practice, Standard publishers distribution, Delhi.
  • Kasu A.A. (2005), An Introduction to Art, Craft, Technique, Science and Profession of Interior Design, India Ashish Book Centre, Mumbai.
  • Veena et al, (2010), Introduction to Interior Design and Decoration Dominant Publishers and Distributors, New Delhi.
  • Rush,H.T. and Rush, O. D. Homes with Character, D.C. Heath and Company, Boston.
  • Faukner,S. and Faulkner,R. (1987), Inside Today’s home, Rinehart publishing company New York.